Using beef taco seasoning on chicken is a quick and easy way to add lots of flavor to chicken dishes. While taco seasoning is traditionally used for beef, it can also work well with chicken. The blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano adds big Tex-Mex taste to otherwise bland chicken. With just a few tweaks, beef taco seasoning can be perfectly suited for chicken tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and more.
What’s in taco seasoning?
Most pre-made beef taco seasoning packs contain some combination of:
- Chili powder
- Crushed red pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cornstarch
This blend of spices and herbs gives taco meat its signature Mexican flavor profile. The salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, and cumin add lots of warmth. Chili powder and cumin give it a rich chile flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder provide a savory, aromatic base. Cornstarch helps thicken the seasoning and makes the spice mix stick to the meat.
Used on its own, this seasoning would make chicken tacos taste very similar to beef tacos. The flavor profile suits both chicken and beef. However, the blend can be adjusted to better complement the lightness of chicken.
How to adapt taco seasoning for chicken
To make taco seasoning more optimized for chicken, reduce the amount of salt and spices that add heat. Chili powder, crushed red pepper, cumin, and black pepper all add a lot of warmth. Chicken is much more delicate than beef so it doesn’t need as much spicy kick. Cut down on the salt too since chicken doesn’t need as much seasoning as beef.
Consider adding more garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano to ramp up the flavor for chicken without excessive heat. Additional garlic powder will give it a lovely garlic undertone. Onion powder enhances the savoryness. Paprika provides earthiness and a slight sweetness that complements the chicken. Oregano adds brightness.
You can also add a dash of a delicate, warm spice like ground coriander. This will provide subtle spiciness and citrusy notes. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives just a touch of heat without overwhelming the chicken’s flavor.
Lastly, incorporate a bit of sweetness to balance out the spices. A small amount of sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup can round everything out. The sweetness helps the seasoning cling to the chicken too.
Tips for using taco seasoning on chicken
Here are some tips for successfully using a beef taco seasoning blend on chicken:
- Use about 2/3 as much taco seasoning as you would for beef. Chicken doesn’t need as much strong seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the spices instead of sprinkling the seasoning on top. This helps the flavors permeate the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken in the seasoning blend for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Consider pounding chicken breasts before seasoning and cooking. This helps the flavor soak in.
- Add extra salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or sugar to balance the seasoning if needed.
Homemade taco seasoning for chicken
You can easily make your own homemade taco seasoning tailored for chicken. This allows you to control the level of heat and customize the blend.
Try this easy homemade chicken taco seasoning:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chili powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground coriander | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Mix together and store in an airtight container. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per pound of chicken. Adjust any amounts to your taste preferences.
Chicken recipes with taco seasoning
Here are some delicious ways to use taco seasoning on chicken:
Chicken tacos
Season shredded or diced chicken breast with taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar. Sautee the chicken until cooked through. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with desired toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.
Taco chicken salad
Marinate chicken breast chunks or strips in taco seasoning. Cook the chicken until no longer pink inside. Toss the chicken in a salad of chopped lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, beans, corn, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips. Drizzle with a cumin-lime dressing.
Taco chicken bowls
Shred seasoned, cooked taco chicken. Layer it over cilantro lime rice with black beans, corn, pico de gallo, cheese, and pickled red onions. Drizzle crema over the top.
Taco chicken pasta
Cook pasta and toss with taco seasoned shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced peppers, onions, taco sauce, and cheese. Garnish with cilantro.
Taco chicken nachos
Pile tortilla chips with taco chicken, refried beans, cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
Taco chicken skillet
Cook diced taco chicken with potatoes, corn, black beans, peppers, and onions. Season with extra taco seasoning. Top with cheese and serve with tortilla chips.
Taco chicken casserole
Combine roasted taco chicken with salsa, beans, corn, and cheese and bake until hot and bubbly. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
Taco chicken soup
Simmer diced taco chicken in broth with tomatoes, corn, beans, peppers, onions, and zucchini. Finish with crushed tortilla chips, cheese, and lime juice.
Conclusion
Beef taco seasoning can absolutely be used to add Tex-Mex flavor to chicken. With some simple adjustments like reducing the salt and heat and adding more garlic, onion, and sweetness, taco seasoning pairs deliciously with chicken. It’s an easy way to quickly spice up boring chicken in tacos, bowls, casseroles, nachos, and more. With the right blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other spices, you can make amazing chicken dishes with big taco taste.